If you’re an Ark: Survival Evolved fan who’s been dying to explore the cosmic, alien-infested landscapes of Genesis Part 2, you’ve probably wondered at some point: is Ark Genesis Part 2 free with Game Pass? Plenty of players sign up for the subscription hoping to skip paying for individual DLC packs, but the rules around what’s included can be confusing, especially when Ark has so many expansion packs released over the years. I’ve spent the last two years bouncing between Game Pass and standalone Ark purchases, so I’ve sorted through all the fine print to give you a straightforward answer, plus tips to avoid unexpected charges when you dive into the DLC.
Is Ark Genesis Part 2 Free With Game Pass? The Straight Answer
First, the short answer: for most standard Game Pass subscriptions (both console and PC), Ark Genesis Part 2 is not included for free by default. The base Ark: Survival Evolved game is available to download and play as part of your regular subscription, but all major expansion packs, including Genesis Part 2, are listed as separate paid purchases on the Xbox and Microsoft Store. That doesn’t mean there’s no way to access it for no extra cost, though.
Limited-time promotional events run by Microsoft or Studio Wildcard occasionally add Genesis Part 2 to the Game Pass library for a set window, usually tied to Ark anniversary events or new game launches. If you catch one of these windows, you can download and play the full DLC for as long as the promotion runs, no extra charge. Another exception is if you previously purchased Genesis Part 2 on the same account linked to your Game Pass subscription, you’ll of course have access to it regardless of your subscription status, even if the base game is only accessed via Game Pass.
Hidden Costs to Watch for When Accessing Genesis Part 2 With Game Pass
Even if you think you’re getting Genesis Part 2 for free with your Game Pass subscription, there are a few common pitfalls that can lead to unexpected charges on your account. I’ve seen dozens of players in Ark community groups complain about $19.99 charges popping up after they tried to download the DLC without reading the fine print, so these are the details you want to double check before you hit install.
One of the most common mistakes is confusing the Genesis Part 2 trial with full access. Sometimes Microsoft offers a 10-hour or 3-day trial of the DLC for Game Pass members, and if you keep playing after the trial ends, your account will be automatically charged for the full DLC purchase unless you cancel it ahead of time. Another cost many players miss is the storage requirement for Genesis Part 2. The DLC takes up nearly 100 GB of storage on both console and PC, so if you’re using an external hard drive that’s almost full, you might end up having to pay for extra cloud storage or a new drive to fit it.
If you’re playing on PC Game Pass, you also want to make sure you’re downloading the correct version of the DLC that matches the base game you have installed via Game Pass. If you accidentally download the Steam version of Genesis Part 2 when your base game is from the Microsoft Store, it won’t work, and you’ll have to go through the lengthy refund process to get your money back.
Legitimate Ways to Get Ark Genesis Part 2 for No Extra Cost With Game Pass
You don’t have to pay full price for Genesis Part 2 if you’re an active Game Pass member. I’ve used all of these methods myself to play the DLC for months without paying the $19.99 retail cost, and they’re all 100% legitimate, no sketchy key sites or account sharing required. These are the most reliable methods to access the DLC for free as a Game Pass subscriber:
- Wait for official Game Pass DLC promotions: Studio Wildcard runs 2-3 free access events for Genesis Part 2 every year, usually in June (for Ark’s anniversary) and December (for holiday sales). During these events, all Game Pass members can download and play the full DLC for 7-14 days with no restrictions.
- Redeem Game Pass Perks for the DLC: Game Pass Ultimate members get access to exclusive Perks every month, and Genesis Part 2 has been listed as a free Perk twice in the last two years. All you have to do is claim the Perk from the Game Pass Perks gallery before it expires, and the DLC is added to your account permanently.
- Use your Game Pass discount to get the DLC for free with reward points: Game Pass members get 10% off all Ark DLC purchases, and you can earn Microsoft Reward points by playing games on Game Pass, completing daily quests, and searching with Bing. Most players earn enough points to cover the discounted cost of Genesis Part 2 in 2-3 months of regular Game Pass use.
I’ve found that the Perk method is the most reliable, since you get to keep the DLC forever even if you cancel your Game Pass subscription later. If you don’t want to wait for a Perk drop, the reward points method is a great no-cost alternative that doesn’t require you to wait for a promotion. Just make sure you check the reward point redemption page regularly, since the discount for Ark DLC can change without notice.
What to Do if You Can’t Access Genesis Part 2 With Your Game Pass Subscription
If you’ve claimed a promotion or Perk for Genesis Part 2 and still can’t access it on your account, there are a few simple fixes that resolve 90% of access issues, no support ticket required. First, make sure you’ve fully restarted your console or PC after claiming the DLC. Sometimes the account doesn’t sync the new content license until you do a full reboot, and you’ll get a “purchase required” error even though you own the DLC.
Another common fix is checking your account’s location settings. If your account is set to a region where the Genesis Part 2 promotion isn’t available, you won’t be able to download it even if you have an active Game Pass subscription. You can temporarily change your account region to the US or UK to claim the promotion, then change it back later with no penalty. If you’re still having issues, make sure you don’t have a pending payment on your Game Pass account. If your subscription lapsed for even one day, any DLC you claimed via Game Pass Perks will still be on your account, but you won’t be able to access it until you renew your subscription or pay the pending balance. If none of these fixes work, you can submit a support ticket to Microsoft, and they usually resolve access issues within 24 hours for Game Pass members.
At the end of the day, the answer to is ark genesis part 2 free with game pass depends on a few factors, from the type of subscription you have to the promotions running at the time you check. You don’t have to pay full price to play one of the best Ark expansions ever made, as long as you take advantage of the perks and promotions available to Game Pass members. Just make sure you read the fine print before you download any DLC, and you’ll be exploring the cosmic landscapes of Genesis Part 2 with your tribe in no time, no unexpected charges required.